IBPFM at 80: Machen’s Mission Endures

February 22, 2013

When the women visited Christ’s tomb early on the morning after the Sabbath, the angel told them the amazing news that Christ was alive: “He is not here: for he is risen.… GO quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:6,7)! From that time forward, it has been the supreme joy of every Christian to GO and communicate this message, this Good News, to others. “GO ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” (Mark 16:15) was Christ’s parting command to His disciples.

In the first half of the 20th century, the dreaded apostasy of liberalism saw many missionaries replacing this Good News with a counterfeit gospel which left men dead in their sin. This prompted Dr. J. Gresham Machen, a renowned Bible scholar, with a burden for the souls of men, to lead in the formation of this historic mission board.

The members of this new agency had a firm resolve to promote “truly Biblical missions” at all costs. A number of these godly men and women laid their ecclesiastical careers on the line to see that this true gospel of salvation from sin and death would be faithfully proclaimed to the “uttermost part of the earth.”

Whether as ministers, teachers, medical doctors, nurses, etc., hundreds have served under The Independent Board to share the gospel, to make disciples, to train national leaders, and to relieve the pain and suffering of many. We rejoice that God has preserved and blessed this faithful testimony now for 80 years!

The 21st century has presented us with massive cultural, religious and political changes. Technology has provided many new opportunities, as well as challenges. New doors are opening as old ones close.

Yet, the basic need remains the same: men are dead in sin and can only gain newness of life through Jesus Christ. And, the message that is needed also remains the same: “Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22).

Men and women dedicated to this great work are needed as urgently today as they were at the time of our founding in 1933. Be sure to explore our website to learn of and pray for the work of our missionaries, and the opportunities the Lord may have for YOU to use your talents in foreign missions service. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss how you can join in this noble cause.